GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO FIX CENTRELINK’S ONLINE SERVICES

The Government needs to fix Centrelink’s online services and security risks before it begins its biometric identification scheme for Centrelink clients.

 

The Government says it will begin a new system in which Centrelink clients will be identified based on biometric information, including facial recognition.

 

The Government says its “voluntary” but it will use “nudge tactics” to get the system “fully operational” by 2025.

 

This is despite privacy and tech experts warning of the risks of the information being misused.

 

Last year, it was reported that Medicare card details had been sold on the dark web.

 

Last week, it was revealed that a Centrelink client’s personal details, including bank and residential details, had been inadvertently disclosed.

 

Centrelink clients have also complained about the difficulty in using Centrelink’s online platform.

 

The Government needs to address these issues before it even begins to contemplate a biometric identification system.

 

We challenge the Minister to outline how the Government will deal with the security risks highlighted by experts.